STUDENTS at the University of Winchester have been commended for producing a film which is to be used in third world countries.

Media students Matt Fryer and Harry Fishwick have produced an animated training film for organisations that work in water, sanitation and hygiene in low-income countries across Africa and Asia, which aims to help such organisations consider violence-related issues in their work.

The film has already made its debut at two conferences in India over the past few weeks.

“The sheer dedication of these students shows just how committed they were to their project,” said Graham Mole, lecturer at the University of Winchester. “They just couldn’t have worked any harder, truly professional.”

Sarah House, who is working on the training materials on behalf of WaterAid, said: “We have been delighted to be able to utilise the skills and talents of students at the University of Winchester in developing this film on this critical issue. The students have been very serious and committed in undertaking this task which is on a sensitive and challenging subject.”

It forms part of training materials currently being developed by the international non-government organisation, WaterAid, in line with the SHARE Research Consortium, funded by the Department for International Development.

The film is one of seven produced by the University’s media students, including one created to showcase awards founded by the new High Sheriff of Hampshire, Rupert Younger.

Other films feature the work of the New Forest Association, the story of the Saxons in the Meon Valley, a day in the life of a zookeeper and an apprenticeship scheme running at Fawley refinery.